Slyly tucked away in this story of Jolly Robin and
of his adventures, is much bird lore and philosophy,—both
instructive and entertaining.
THE TALE OF BETSY BUTTERFLY
Betsy Butterfly is the owner of a pair of such beautifully
colored wings and her sweet disposition matches them
so perfectly that it is a very common occurrence to
hear one of the tiny dwellers in Farmer Green’s
meadow remark: “Why, the sun just has to
smile on her!” Of course, any lady so gifted
is bound to have many admirers and Betsy is no exception.
But there are a few of her acquaintances who cannot
keep from showing their jealousy of her popularity
and these try in various unkind ways to make her disliked.
The story of how she politely overlooks these rude
attempts, in that way causing herself to be all the
more thought of, is the best sort of example to any
human girl or boy who wishes to know how to be sure
of making friends. You will find that Betsy is
a great girl for giving parties and perhaps she will
give you a few valuable ideas that will be useful
sometime when you have a party of your own.
BUSTER BUMBLEBEE
Buster’s intentions are all very good, but he
is so awkward and stupid that he constantly stumbles
into trouble, thereby causing his acquaintances much
unnecessary discomfiture and himself no end of embarrassment.
He is, furthermore, a terrific boaster, as you will
learn when you read of his many declarations of the
pummeling he would give the ferocious Robber Fly,
if ever he chanced to meet that devouring assassin.
What Buster actually does when the unexpected encounter
takes place will afford you a good laugh at his expense,
and, finally, after you have romped and dallied with
him through his many happy excursions you will close
the book with a feeling that it has done you good to
have known him, lazy and blundering though he is,
for he is indeed the best natured fellow, and he is
so anxious to buzz into everything that attracts his
attention that you find you have learned a great many
things you never before dreamed of about the tiny creatures
of the fields.
THE TALE OF FREDDIE FIREFLY
Freddie Firefly is most anxious to lighten the cares
of his friends in Pleasant Valley for he is a most
unselfish fellow and enjoys nothing more than seeing
other people as happy as he. He has one grave
fault, however, that prevents him from being a very
great help, and that is his inability to remain long
in one place. He is so full of spry gaiety that
he never can be quite content unless he is dancing
with his relatives in the hollow near the swamp or
darting about Farmer Green’s lawn. His
friends often give him advice as to how he may use
the wonderful light which he always carries with him,
and finally Mrs. Ladybug tells him he should go to
the railroad and work as a signal-man for the trains.
You will hold your breath as you read about the exciting
adventure that follows this suggestion, and you will
no doubt agree with those to whom he later tells it
that he is a very lucky Freddie to escape.
